Western Mass News reports the Agawam City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to keep its school mascot the same despite racial concerns.
City Councilor George Bitzas says the nickname "Brownies" is not racist in origin.
But Rhonda Anderson, the local representative of the state's Indian Affairs commission, said combining the nickname with the city's name, which is Native American in origin, and the Native American logo, equals a stereotype.
Meantime, there is a bill on Beacon Hill that would ban the use of Native American nicknames. But it is unclear whether lawmakers will vote on the measure.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak/WHYN News)